Focus mode is one of the most practical features Apple has built into iOS. It allows you to silence notifications from specific people and apps, automatically, based on what you are doing. Whether you want complete silence during deep work hours or a filter that only lets family members through during dinner, Focus mode can handle it. Here is how to set one up and put it on a schedule.
How to Create or Configure a Focus Mode
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap Focus.
- Apple provides several pre-built Focus modes such as Do Not Disturb, Work, Personal, and Sleep. Tap one to configure it, or tap the “+” button in the top-right corner to create a custom Focus from scratch.
- Inside the Focus settings, tap People to choose which contacts are allowed to send you notifications while the Focus is active. Everyone else will be silenced.
- Tap Apps to select which applications can still send you alerts.
How to Set a Schedule for a Focus Mode
The real power of Focus mode comes from its ability to activate and deactivate itself automatically, without you lifting a finger.
- Inside the settings for your chosen Focus mode, scroll down to the Set a Schedule section and tap Add Schedule.
- You will be presented with three trigger options:
- Time: Set specific hours (for example, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM) and choose which days of the week it should apply. Perfect for a Work Focus.
- Location: The Focus activates automatically when your iPhone detects you have arrived at a specific place, such as your office or a gym.
- App: The Focus turns on the moment you open a chosen application. This is useful if you want a reading or gaming Focus that activates the instant you open a specific app.
- Configure your preferred trigger and tap Done to save it.
You can also toggle any Focus mode on or off manually at any time by opening Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner) and tapping the Focus button. This is useful when your schedule changes and you need to override the automatic setting for that day.